Opinion: Time to get out more

National Night Out offered me connection to my community

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August 7, 2026 10:33 a.m.

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My son gave me a poster some time ago that reads “Community Made Us, Community Will Save Us.” I’m not familiar with the origins of the message, but it resonates with me and should with all of us right now.

Tuesday night was National Night Out. It’s a nationwide effort to get folks outside in their neighborhoods. Though started as a crime prevention effort, in some communities it is an excuse to have a party.

For about 10 years now, my wife and I have sponsored a block party. We’ve lived in Rockville for more than 20 years and gotten to know many of our neighbors, but recently there seems to be more transition. We are often surprised at the number of homes for sale. In many cases, the owners are empty nesters looking to downside, or due to federal job loss, moving to where there is more opportunity. Whatever the case, I’m seeing new faces and many young children on our walks.   We raised our kids here and seeing young ones back on our sidewalks is heartwarming.

Our neighbors come from a panoply of cultures, faiths and hues, wearing crosses, Stars of David and headscarves. They are Latino–especially Salvadoran–but they also hail from other Latin countries including Colombia and Brazil. At the block party, I connected with neighbors from Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia and Trinidad. On our street alone we have neighbors from Bangladesh, Cameroon, Nepal, and Israel. As a white man in his 60s raised in a monocultural environment, I love the variety, and have learned much about the challenges, values and cuisine others experience.

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There is no structure to our party: no speeches or performances. Just great food, conversation, and a sense of community. We are all neighbors – as Mr. Rogers urged (and on a bumper sticker on my little library in the front of my house).

Because I’m not good with names – remembering and pronouncing – I urge folks to complete a name tag. This year we also had a community swap. I encouraged  – at my wife’s suggestion – neighbors to bring anything they wanted to give away.  It was more successful than I expected.  We all have too much stuff today.  And though it’s nice to make a few dollars at a yard sale, it is maybe more meaningful for someone to receive  it as a gift.

So let’s get out more. If you are walking, say hi to folks you pass, and ask about their day.   Maybe take out the earplugs and listen to what is around you.  Make eye contact with those you pass and smile.  And use your front porch. Simple acts create connection which bring about community, the community we came from.  And the one that will save us when things get rough in life.

David J. Smith writes from Rockville. He is also on Substack.

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine